Flynn to take House helm after DiMasi's resignation

Monday

State Rep. David L. Flynn is set to be sworn in as House speaker at 5 p.m. Tuesday after Salvatore DiMasi resigns his leadership position and seat over a pending ethics investigation.

State Rep. David L. Flynn is set to be sworn in as House speaker at 5 p.m. Tuesday after Salvatore DiMasi resigns his leadership position and seat over a pending ethics investigation.

Flynn, D-Bridgewater, said Gov. Deval Patrick called him at home Sunday night and summoned him to the Statehouse to be sworn in as speaker.

Flynn said he was aware DiMasi planned to step down but hoped he would wait until later in the spring.

DiMasi announced his resignation in a letter to House colleagues Sunday.

“I think the weight of the investigation has taken its toll on his family,” Flynn said. “I feel badly. He’s a close friend of mine.”

As Dean of the House for his earliest service, Flynn gavels in the opening sessions of the Legislature until a speaker is elected.

But the 75-year-old has been sidelined by illness since December.

Flynn said his doctor has advised him to take it easy for a few more weeks. He says, “I think I’m healthy and competent to take over.” He also expects a new speaker to be chosen when members of the Democratic caucus meet this week.

House Ways and Means Chairman Robert A. DeLeo, D-Winthrop, and Majority Leader John Rogers, D-Norwood, both claim to have majority support in the 160-seat chamber to succeed DiMasi.

DeLeo has pushed for expanded gambling and has supported Flynn’s recurring bill to license slots at the racetracks.

Flynn said there are no hearings scheduled until April or May and the bill faces stiff opposition from the governor.

DiMasi stated in his resignation letter that he had reached the decision with “mixed emotions.”

He spent more than 30 years in the House representing Boston’s North End. He rose to power in October 2004 when then-House Speaker Thomas Finneran resigned over a controversy involving a redistricting lawsuit.